Methods and apparatus for supporting burst modes of camera operation

Abstract

In various embodiments a camera with multiple optical chains, e.g., camera modules, is controlled to operate in one of a variety of supported modes of operation. The modes include a non-motion mode, a motion mode, a normal burst mode and / or a reduced data burst mode. Motion mode is well suited for capturing an image including motion, e.g., moving object(s) with some modules being used to capture scene areas using a shorter exposure time than other modules and the captured images then being combined taking into consideration locations of motion. A reduced data burst mode is supported in some embodiments in which camera modules with different focal lengths capture images at different rates. While the camera modules of different focal length operate at different image capture rates in the reduced data burst mode, images are combined to support a desired composite image output rate, e.g., a desired frame rate.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 065,534 filed Oct. 17, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 242,911 filed Oct. 16, 2015 both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] In an attempt to address some of the shortcomings of handheld camera devices, the use of a camera with multiple camera modules each of which may be used to capture an image has been suggested.

[0003] Capturing subjects performing relatively higher speed actions is popularly known as the action shots. Examples of action shots are shots of sports scenes with motion, e.g., with individuals moving such as for example as part of a soccer game or other type of game, car race shots, etc. Such action shots are common in both consumer photography and professional photography e.g., sports photography.

[0004] In the existing camera systems, action shots are typically captured by reducing...

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